Kenyan 'devil's cactus' is spreading out of control -- but tech is fighting back

By Stephanie Bailey, CNN

Updated 1100 GMT (1900 HKT) December 10, 2019

<strong>The "devil's cactus": </strong>An invasive cactus called Opuntia, or prickly pear, is tearing through the wildlife-rich grasslands and ranges of Laikipia County in Kenya.
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The "devil's cactus": An invasive cactus called Opuntia, or prickly pear, is tearing through the wildlife-rich grasslands and ranges of Laikipia County in Kenya.
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<strong>Rapid spread:</strong> The cactus is spread by wildlife eating its fruit and dispersing the seeds, but any part of the cactus that breaks off is liable to take root and grow.
Photos:
Rapid spread: The cactus is spread by wildlife eating its fruit and dispersing the seeds, but any part of the cactus that breaks off is liable to take root and grow.
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<strong>Injured elephants:</strong> Elephants snack on the fruit of the invasive cactus but can ingest sharp spines that lodge in their mouth, stomach lining and intestine, causing painful abscesses.